What I learned going door-to-door this week
I started knocking on doors this weekend for the May 6 board election
In case you missed it, I’m running for the Pleasant View board of directors. The election is in-person on May 6 at the fire station, so mark your calendar! This is the first time since at least 2008 that there’s been an election for the board, which manages a $3 million budget for the fire and parks departments.
This weekend, my family and I started going door-to-door to let people know an election is coming and learn about what you want to see in Pleasant View. I made it to 33 houses between Orchard, Nile, W 13th Place, and W 11th Ave.
Here’s what I learned!
Orchard Park could use some love
I did a survey back in January to start getting ideas about how to make Orchard Park even better than it already is. Several more neighbors told me it would make a big difference to have the courts resurfaced to play pickleball, basketball, or tennis.
Another neighbor said they wanted more trees replanted after the district removed several (and they wanted to learn why the district had to remove them in the first place. I’m curious too!)
I’m talking to the district manager this week about the community’s hopes for Orchard Park. It’s just the beginning of what could be a long process, but I hope to get the ball rolling!
If you have more ideas for Orchard Park, comment on this post, email me at lauraforpleasantview@gmail.com, or call/text 720-675-8093.
It’s important to walk to Camp George West from the neighborhood to the west
The landowner of the field between Nile Street and Research Road had to temporarily close access while construction was happening on his property. This left neighbors concerned about how to get to Camp George West safely from my area of Pleasant View.
Right now, the trail is open again, but during future construction, it’s less certain. The county apparently explored making access on W 13th Ave, but neighbors had some concerns about lots of people coming down their street or the homeless population.
I hope to get in touch with the current landowner to see what information they can offer for future access to Camp George West. Do you have other questions? Let me know!
We need more sidewalks
Jefferson County is in charge of sidewalks, not the district, but neighbors want a better advocate for Pleasant View to make it a safer place to walk around.
This was especially important to neighbors who see new developments going up with lower parking requirements. They made the point that a walkable neighborhood is great, but only if you have a safe way to actually walk places.
I have heard from some neighbors online that they don’t want more sidewalks, and I don’t totally understand why. If you have any insight, please share with me!
So many wonderful people live in Pleasant View
My favorite part of going door-to-door was meeting so many more of my neighbors. I’ve gotten to know the people on my street, but it was so nice to put more faces to houses that I pass by each day. I got to finally ask one of my neighbors how they’ve made such an amazing garden in their front yard; I learned the name of the sweet white dog I see on my runs all the time (Hi Sadie!); and how much we all love the fire department’s Santa on the Truck (I got to be the elf last year and it was the best day ever).
It may sound corny, but it’s true. I loved getting to meet so many of you. Thank you for answering the door for a stranger, talking to me about the neighborhood, and letting me get to know you a bit.
Vote for me on May 6! Reach out with questions, comments, or concerns.
You can vote in person from 7 am - 7 pm on May 6 at the fire station (955 Moss Street). If you would like to learn how to vote by mail, I can help you fill out the request form.
Reach me at:
lauraforpleasantview@gmail.com
720-675-8093 (call or text)